ABTA - 45th annual Book of the Year

The American Bridge Teachers’ Association (ABTA) has announced winners in its 45th annual Book of the Year contest, which recognizes excellence in instructional resources for bridge players of all levels. Awards were presented at the ABTA national convention in Minneapolis MN on July 9.

Winner in the Advanced Beginner category was Kantar Bridge Lessons I (Baron Barclay) by Edwin B. Kantar, revised by Barbara Seagram. Seagram’s new publication is a major update and reorganization of the late Kantar’s volume of tips for advancing players.

Winner in the Intermediate category was 100 Bridge Tips for Club Players (Master Point Press) by Rakesh K. Kumar.  The author focuses on practical advice on bidding, play and defense, presented as at-the-table problems to improve results in duplicate pair and team events.

Top-rated runners-up in the Intermediate category were:
Be a Difficult Bridge Opponent  (Master Point Press) by David Bird & Marc Smith
Theme Recognition, Volume 1  (AuthorHouse) by James Marsh Sternberg, MD

Winner in the Intermediate/Advanced category was To Win or Not to Win: The Art of the Duck  (AuthorHouse) by James Marsh Sternberg, MD. “Dr. J” offers a comprehensive discussion of hold-up and ducking plays with 250 example deals presented as self-quizzes.

Top-rated runners-up in the Intermediate/Advanced category were:
Be a Difficult Matchpoint Opponent  (Master Point Press) by David Bird & Marc Smith
Theme Recognition, Volume 2  (AuthorHouse) by James Marsh Sternberg, MD

A Certificate of Merit was awarded to Confessions of a Bridge Addict (Master Point Press) by Joey Silver and John Carruthers.  A collaboration by two Canadian champions, this book offers an insightful look at Silver’s 60+ years of bridge experiences, including stories, lessons and fascinating deals from international play.

ABTA Award Committee members are Jeff Bayone, Sam Marks, Henry Meguid, Brenda Montague, Neil Montague and Karen Walker (chair).

ABTA is now accepting submissions for its 2027 awards, which will be announced in July 2027. Eligible works are printed books as well as other media, including instructional podcasts, video lessons, webinars and software.

Authors or publishers wishing to enter new titles can get more information by sending email to [email protected] . The submission deadline is May 1, 2027.